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City staffers initially proposed a series of fees ranging from nothing in the central city, where there are already adequate roads, to more than $6,000 for a single-family home in far-reaching areas. The idea was to create an incentive for developers to build in areas where roads already exist, and eliminate "leapfrog development."

But a committee of developers, real estate agents, contractors and engineering firms worked out a compromise that would have assessed a flat fee of $1,500 for a single family home across most of Fort Worth. The developers said they were worried that the original proposal would discourage new construction.

Burdette, who represents far north Fort Worth, called the developers' proposal "totally inadequate" last week and proposed a fee even higher than the city staff proposal.

The Fort Worth League of Neighborhoods endorsed Burdette's proposal, saying it would force developers to pay for new roads, rather than leave the burden to general taxpayers.

"The residents feel ... that those who are the primary contributors to these problems should significantly contribute to correct the problems that they have generated," acting league president Libby Willis said.

Mayor Mike Moncrief proposed a compromise, a $2,000 fee for a single-family home across the city.